How to Create a Healthy Family Lifestyle
Quality time + movement = my love language.
Sure, I enjoy watching a movie with the babe, or cuddling up with the kiddos and reading a stack of books together. But running around a playground in the sun with the littles? Or skiing with my husband? Now that is pure bliss. Recreational time together fills my soul in a way that nothing else can.
Do you also yearn for this kind of quality time?
I have observed that there is a special bonding that seems to happen when people are together and engaging in some kind of physical activity. I’ve seen it among friends and family who don’t particularly enjoy “exercise.”
They seem to come to life when joined with others in fun, low-pressure physical play such as Spike Ball, Just Dance, Can Jam, hiking, volleyball, badminton, and even Foosball.
When I’ve been at family gatherings where we truly played, people generally seemed to be enjoying themselves and engaged in the present moment of the activity.
This year, my little family made an official list of family values. One that we identified is “a healthy and active lifestyle.” We are really imperfect at this but we are striving to make it a reality in our family.
Are you also striving for a healthier home? If so, here are several ideas to help you on your way to creating a healthy family lifestyle.
Activities for a More Physically-Active Family Lifestyle
Get outside, regularly, even if it’s cold.
Get good at bundling up. In the winter, keep your jacket by the door. Get outside for some fresh air and sunshine.
Play Pickleball
Seriously, this is the funnest game ever. It’s probably my favorite sport right now. It’s an awesome game for all kinds of skill levels. It’s easy to get decent at this game and love it. Most recreation centers, many tennis courts, and even some churches have pickleball courts. Learn how to play here.
Sunday family stroll
This is so nice when the weather is good. If you have children, let them decide where you will go.
Disc Golf
Super fun and with its increasing popularity, many cities have courses.
Dodgeball
This is my all time favorite game. Ever. Get a bunch of squishy balls, a group of people (can be all ages), a wide open space, and go crazy.
Spike Ball, Can Jam, Volleyball, Badminton, 4 Square, 9 Square, Cornhole or Other Yard Activities
These games are especially great for larger gatherings. Have more than one game going at a time if you have enough people.
Just Dance
You will be floored by how hard this works your body. Plus it’s tons of fun. You will laugh your head off. You can even find free vids on Youtube to dance along to.
Skiing or Snowboarding
Even though I was born and raised in Utah, I didn’t learn to ski until I was in my twenties. I am pretty terrified of heights and for the first while, skiing scared the daylights out of me. Now it is my favorite activity. When I am skiing in the mountains, my soul is so alive. It’s pricey, but for me it is a way I can be physically and mentally healthy while having so much fun, so it’s a financial priority. Friends, if you have mountains and good snow, please consider learning to ski or snowboard. Go with someone who can teach you so you don’t hurt yourself. Many resorts have days during the year that are discounted, or if you go with a season pass holder you often get a discount as well.
Sledding
If you want to dial it down with the skiing, find a sledding hill. Get outside, preferably in the mountains and zoom to your heart’s content.
Mountain Biking
I used to be terrified of mountain biking and it took me over a year to get comfortable with the beginner trails. Now I love it. You don’t have to use a crazy expensive bike, but do some homework and do NOT buy it from Walmart. Get someone to teach you as well.
Ideas for a Nutritious Home
Keep fresh fruits and vegetables on hand in a place where everyone can see them
Preferably prepared to snack on (chopped veggies, washed fruit, etc.)
Avoid storing trigger foods at the house, or at least keep them out of sight
I can not handle having peanut M&Ms in my home. I have no self control around them. Thus they only find their way to my house for special occasions. If you aren’t ready to kick your treats out of the house, put them in a box in an inconvenient spot. I’m not telling you to not eat treats, but be intentional. Create a speed bump for yourself so you can eat them because you really want them, not just because they are in front of you.
Use a water bottle & keep it with you during the day
Glass tastes best, but I also really like this water bottle - it helps me keep track of how much I’m drinking and naturally encourages me to drink enough each day.
Meal plan
This will help your budget, and help you avoid eating out. Even an unhealthy meal made at home is usually more healthy than a fast food meal. See tips for meal planning here.
Avoid an open kitchen policy, rather eat and allow your kids to eat at scheduled times
This will help you and the kiddos avoid grazing and will also help you be more deliberate about what is consumed in your household.
Other Ideas for a Healthy Family Lifestyle
Build an active tribe
Make friends with other families who enjoy recreational activities
Get involved in church or community sports
You can often play even when not a member of a particular church. These activities are often cheap or free.
Involve your children in your own exercise routines when possible
This is not always possible, but even if your children observe that exercise is a priority for you, they are much more likely to make an exercise a priority later in their own lives later on.
Keep a bin in your car with essentials so that you will always be ready to go and need minimal preparation to leave the house
This is especially effective if you have children. I like to keep one stocked with diapers, wipes, snacks, and an extra outfit. If we want to make a quick trip to the pickleball court while the sun is still up, we can get there much more quickly.
Limit Screen Time
For kids ages 2-5 screen time should ideally be no longer than an hour a day, for older kids, it should not exceed 2 hours, according to the Amercian Academy of Pediatrics. Adults should probably also strive for less than 2 hours a day (not counting work).